Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has been moved to Safdarjung Hospital in New Delhi after his health deteriorated during a hunger strike. Wangchuk, who had been protesting at Jantar Mantar to demand statehood and constitutional protections for Ladakh, was removed by Delhi Police earlier this week. While his supporters and family members report that he remains in stable condition, they have expressed concern over the lack of transparency regarding his medical reports and continued access to him.
The protest centers on the demand for the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. This provision would grant the region greater autonomy and protect its fragile environment and unique cultural identity. Wangchuk and his supporters argue that the current administrative structure leaves the region vulnerable to industrial exploitation and ignores the voices of local residents who have long sought a more direct role in their governance.
Following his removal from the protest site, the Delhi Police stated that the action was necessary to maintain public order in the capital. The situation has since escalated, with Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali, confirming that the hunger strike is continuing despite his hospitalisation. She has also stated that plans for a march to Parliament on July 20 remain in place, signaling that the movement is not slowing down despite the activist's current health challenges.
Medical staff at Safdarjung Hospital have noted that Wangchuk has declined intravenous fluids, which has complicated the management of his health. As the standoff continues, the focus remains on whether the central government will engage in dialogue with the protesters. For now, the public is watching to see how the authorities will balance security concerns in the capital with the growing pressure from activists demanding regional autonomy for Ladakh.